Consumer Alert: Last-minute tax mistakes

<p>Rushing to file your taxes as the deadline approaches can lead to last-minute mistakes.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 19, 2017, 8:09 PM

Updated 2,553 days ago

Share:

Consumer Alert: Last-minute tax mistakes
Rushing to file your taxes as the deadline approaches can lead to last-minute mistakes.
"File it once, and then make sure you're taking some extra caution in reviewing your return," advises Jonathan Larsen, an IRS special agent.
The IRS says the most common mistakes involve bad math or typing the wrong numbers into tax software. Spelling mistakes can also lead to errors, or even just leaving off a middle initial when you've used it in years past.
The IRS will also not accept unsigned returns. Electric filings substitute a PIN for a signature.
Another common error is filing accidentally as single instead of married, which can hold up your refund.
Finally, experts say all the numbers used must match both your W2 and 1099.
"If something doesn't match, the IRS does have systems in place where they'll follow up with the taxpayer to make sure the information is accurate," Larsen says. "That will definitely delay the processing of the return."
If you do submit a mistake, you'll need to file an amended return.


More from News 12
2:53
Officials work on beach replenishment at Sea Girt where toddler got trapped in sand

Officials work on beach replenishment at Sea Girt where toddler got trapped in sand

1:28
Sunny today in New Jersey with highs in the 70s; rain returns Wednesday

Sunny today in New Jersey with highs in the 70s; rain returns Wednesday

0:32
Investigation finds deficiencies in Essex County’s $40 million COVID-19 vaccination program

Investigation finds deficiencies in Essex County’s $40 million COVID-19 vaccination program

0:17
AMC Theatres at Menlo Park Mall in Edison completes multimillion-dollar renovations

AMC Theatres at Menlo Park Mall in Edison completes multimillion-dollar renovations

0:08
CDC warns of counterfeit Botox in 9 states, including New Jersey and New York

CDC warns of counterfeit Botox in 9 states, including New Jersey and New York

0:22
Police: 3 drivers hospitalized with head injuries following Manchester crash

Police: 3 drivers hospitalized with head injuries following Manchester crash

1:37
Elizabeth roadway reopens following New Jersey Turnpike crash that sent debris falling onto ground

Elizabeth roadway reopens following New Jersey Turnpike crash that sent debris falling onto ground

0:18
Authorities: Crips gang member charged with racketeering, murder that left ‘trail of blood’

Authorities: Crips gang member charged with racketeering, murder that left ‘trail of blood’

1:39
Best of New Jersey visits popular seafood spot Angry Archies in Jersey City

Best of New Jersey visits popular seafood spot Angry Archies in Jersey City

0:16
NJ Transit rail service resumes on Northeast Corridor between Trenton and Rahway following overhead wire issues

NJ Transit rail service resumes on Northeast Corridor between Trenton and Rahway following overhead wire issues

0:27
Jets 'return to roots' with new uniforms that pay tribute to team's 'New York Sack Exchange' look

Jets 'return to roots' with new uniforms that pay tribute to team's 'New York Sack Exchange' look

Guide: Alcohol addiction recovery support and resources

Guide: Alcohol addiction recovery support and resources

Eagles lock in WR DeVonta Smith with 3-year contract extension

Eagles lock in WR DeVonta Smith with 3-year contract extension

0:18
2 best friends from New Jersey split $1 million Powerball prize

2 best friends from New Jersey split $1 million Powerball prize

2:08
Prosecutor: Montclair police officer injured in shootout; suspect also hospitalized

Prosecutor: Montclair police officer injured in shootout; suspect also hospitalized

1:47
Officials investigate 2 homes possibly damaged by 4.8 magnitude earthquake

Officials investigate 2 homes possibly damaged by 4.8 magnitude earthquake

0:39
Jersey Proud: Preschool students hold fundraiser for Make-A-Wish

Jersey Proud: Preschool students hold fundraiser for Make-A-Wish

2:29
Prosecutor: Atlantic City mayor, wife accused of physically abusing teen daughter

Prosecutor: Atlantic City mayor, wife accused of physically abusing teen daughter

0:18
Officials: Lightning sparks fire that displaces 8 Kearny families

Officials: Lightning sparks fire that displaces 8 Kearny families

1:56
‘He was a beautiful person.’ Man found dead following house fire in Paterson

‘He was a beautiful person.’ Man found dead following house fire in Paterson